A Guide To Lakshadweep, One Of India’s Most Pristine Islands
Out of the eight Union Territories in India – Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Lakshadweep or Laccadive is the least visited.
The archipelago was given the status of a Union Territory in 1956, and was named as Lakshadweep in 1973. It was earlier known as Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands.
When translated, Lakshadweep means a hundred thousand islands. Despite the translation, there are only 36 islands in total, 12 atolls and three reefs. Only 10 of these islands are inhabited.
India’s smallest Union Territory is about 200-400 km from Kochi in Kerala. Close, but it is also one of the most difficult places to visit. Difficult in the sense, the entry to the Lakshadweep Islands is restricted. You will require an entry permit issued by the Lakshadweep Administration.
Get your papers in place!
It’s not like you have a destination in mind, pack your bags and you are on your way. Things get a little complicated for Lakshadweep. Be patient, because it’s worth it. To get your entry permit, you will first need a clearance certificate (available online) from your local police station. Along with this document, you will need to attach identification documents and three passport-size photographs. Once you have your clearance certificate, you will need to download the entry permit or get it from the Lakshadweep Administrative Office at Willingdon Island in Kochi, Kerala. This permit is then submitted to the station house officer in Lakshadweep. Easy-peasy!
Pro tip for Lakshadweep: Pack light. If you are travelling by air, you will need to pack light because the aircrafts are small and have very limited seats. Anyway, heavy packing is so passé!
How to reach Lakshadweep?
There are flights and ships to Lakshadweep from Kochi, Kerala. Air India operates flights to Lakshadweep six days a week. Once you reach Agatti (island’s only airstrip), you can take boats to Kavaratti and Kadmat.
If you plan to sail, there are seven passenger ships – MV Kavaratti, MV Minicoy, MV Amindivi, MV Corals, MV Lagoon, MV Lakshadweep Sea, and MV Arabian Sea. All of them operate between Kochi and Lakshadweep. It’s a 14-18 hours journey, depending on the destination.
What to see?
India’s smallest Union Territory might just be the most beautiful too. The natural landscape of Lakshadweep will blow your mind. Pristine white sandy beaches, gorgeous blue waters, stunning coral reefs and the lack of tourists – what else do you want for a nice and clean beach holiday?
Most popular places in Lakshadweep are Bangaram, Agatti, Kadmat, Minicoy, Kalpeni and Kavaratti. These stunning destinations are also the best ways to explore the local culture and traditions.